Destiny

Recipients & Dogs

Eleven-year old Destiny lives on a farm in La Vergne, Tennessee, with her parents, Rachel and Matthew, her younger brother Devon, and an assortment of horses, dogs, and cats. These cherished pets have made room for a very special family addition: Destiny's assistance dog Salsa, a laid-back golden retriever with a great attitude.

Salsa was the first and only dog introduced to Destiny, whose rare form of severe epilepsy causes daily seizures. Need proof of their strong bond? One night at 2:00 a.m. Destiny woke up to Salsa jumping on and off the bed. Salsa didn't need to go out, and she wasn't overheated; she was trying to alert Destiny to an imminent seizure. By pawing, jumping, whatever it takes, Salsa now reliably alerts Destiny twenty minutes before a seizure. Her parents are thrilled, because they can now give their daughter more freedom than she has ever experienced.